On Friday 15 November 2024, the new pedestrian bridge over the Mattonshoop Canal was
opened. The construction of the new bridge was funded by Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname N.V. and is a relief to the neighborhood residents who had to cross the old bridge daily.
The old bridge was in a deplorable state. To ensure the safety of its users, Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname N.V. decided to construct an entirely new bridge a few meters away from the old one over the Mattonshoop Canal.
Construction of the new pedestrian bridge began on 1 October 2024. The bridge connects the Adhinstraat with Duisburglaan and Mattonshooplaan and is crucial for the residents of De Goede Verwachting. Many people, especially students, use the bridge daily. The bridge is under the management of the Ministry of Public Works, and the project was carried out in accordance with the ministry.
Commissioning took place in the presence of Staatsolie's CEO, Annand Jagesar, students and other neighborhood residents, Farida Panka, neighborhood manager of Flora, Henri Kia, national coordinator of neighborhood managers, and members of the project team.
Sia (16), one of the students who walks to school every day and uses the bridge, said: “I was afraid to cross that bridge because it was broken, and I sometimes thought it would collapse. Now I'm happy with the new bridge."
This project cost over SRD 3 million. With this investment, Staatsolie underlines its social responsibility and commitment to the community. "We believe it is important to help our neighbors with any general needs. Therefore, we saw it as our duty to replace the old bridge that had become unsafe. We want to improve the facilities for users, including many students, as much as possible, so that they can focus on one thing: doing their best at school," said Annand Jagesar.
Confidence in our own abilities
